By Tom T
BOS gave Columbus a glimpse into what playoff hockey looks like last night and it wasn’t pretty for the Union Blue. This game looked eerily similar to Game 6 v. WAS in the 2018 playoffs. BOS was ready to ‘close-out’ their regular season and secure home ice in round one. WAS was looking to close out the Jackets in round 1 and avoid a game 7. Turnovers, odd man rushes, breakaways and in-zone scramble defense all lead to an L in both games. Bob was good last night. I know he gave up 4 goals, but watch how many odd man rushes and breakaways he saved to cover for suspect D. His removal from the game was about his long stretch of games played prior to this game rather than his play in this game.
Two Paths Forward
Tortorella’s quote about the game: “We got what we deserved tonight. They were the better team and they deserved to win, so we get ready for out next game.” *
CAR and MTL took significant steps to getting in the playoffs by taking down TOR and TBL respectively. Columbus magic number is still 4, see prior post about scenarios.
Wild Card race tightened but the CBJ are still on the inside and able to control their own playoff destiny. With two games left 2 wins gets the Jackets in the playoffs. How does the CBJ handle that pressure?
This CBJ team can go in two different directions. They can play confident against inferior teams. The NYR are 3-7 in their last 10 and lost their last game to an injury depleted NJD team 4-2. OTT is 5-5 in the prior 10 coming off a loss to TBL. These games have little value to the NYR and OTT seasons. CBJ have been good on the road, been high energy early in games and do have superior skill compared to these two teams. Neither of these games would be a ‘trap game’ as CBJ will be focused for each game. The fact that these are back-to-back makes it challenging, but they will/should be playing like there is no tomorrow well because…
And then the other direction. Pressure causes Columbus to ‘grip-the-sticks-too-hard’ or any other sports cliché for cracking under the pressure. Going 2-for-2 in the last two games of the season back-to-back on the road is NEVER a given. While that is not the only path to the playoffs, it may be in the end. Every CAR and MTL win result in more pressure. How will these guys stand up to that?
Games to Watch Thursday
MTL @ WAS
This one is obvious, if MTL loses it takes 2 points away from the CBJ magic number of 4. Oh, and at least one MTL player had guaranteed victory already. That may not sit well with the defending champs.
NJD @ CAR
CAR has a one-point lead on CBJ for 1st Wild Card spot. It could grow to 3 points (or 2 with an OTL) or stay at 1 based upon this result. That is significant when talking 1st round match ups.
DET @ PIT
Currently there is no little (x) in front of Pittsburgh in the standings. Losses (in regulation) to DET and NYR in the last 2 could lead to a catastrophic, unexpected and abrupt ending to their season. It is farfetched, but this is how it could happen: CBJ and MTL winning out and CAR winning (at least) one in addition to PIT losing both results in PIT hitting the golf course rather than the ice next week. PIT only needs 2 points to avoid that scenario.
According the NHL Facebook page today:
Artturi Lehkonen (MTL): We’ve got two games to go. We’re going to win both of them and we’re going to make the playoffs.
That is BOLD, but it is the right mindset.
Does the CBJ have this mindset?
Two wins and the CBJ are in, here’s to a strong finish.
*reference for Tort’s quote: https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/news/bruins-down-blue-jackets-in-home-finale/c-306389120
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